Students can ask to see a Learning Strategist who is trained in assisting students to select appropriate academic strategies, to individualize their approaches to learning, and to provide guidance in improving student academic performance. All students have different learning styles and each student requires individualized study and learning strategies. Most adults who return to school usually try to study the way they once did in high school. This is often not the best way or the methods do not work in an accelerated learning environment. Please don’t wait until you have not done well on a number of tests or assignments before seeking help. Contact learningservices@columbia.ab.ca and ask for assistance or request an appointment at Bldg. 802-Administration office.

This Office manages the various learning needs of students from scheduling assessments. If you have a question regarding your learning needs, please ask for this professional in 802-122.

Students can take part in information sessions on such topics as study skills, test taking, managing exam stress, time management, and on writing term papers. Check the dates and times of these workshops on the Student Services Board located in Bldg. 802 by the Administration Office. This information is periodically updated.

All students entering professional programs are required to take this credit course prior to starting their professional program. The College Skills for Success course prepares students for learning in an accelerated environment. Your college education is a considerable investment of money and changes to your life style. You will be balancing many things – school, home, assignments, practicum, work, etc. Prepare yourself by going to this course with the intention of getting everything you can from it. Your motivation is a critical piece of being successful.

During this course, students will determine their learning style and learn what study strategies would be most effective for them to use. Don’t assume that you already know how to study. You will be coping with increased workloads and high academic expectations. You are learning not only to achieve good grades, but learning important information, developing higher order critical thinking skills and learning how to be self-regulated in order to reach your dream job and to keep it once you have it. Some of the topics included are memorization strategies, tips on managing stress, test taking, note taking and time management (procrastination issues). There are daily quizzes and a final exam that simulate the types of tests and final exam you will experience in your program. Learn how to become a Master Student! Remember – You are taking an accelerated program and this requires using different study techniques and planning for success than if you were in a traditional institution.

Students will also begin their first introduction to creating a resume for their practicum placements. Follow up to this beginning session will occur after the orientation session. It is compulsory that all students complete a current, well formatted resume prior to practicum search.

You will need to pick up the following textbook. The cost is included in your tuition fee. You must have paid your registration fee to receive the textbook.

Keys to Success: Building Analystical, Creative, and Practical Skills (Sixth Canadian Edition). Toronto: Pearson Education Inc.
Carter, A., Bishop, J., Lyman Kravits, S., & Maurin, P. ; ISBN: 978-0-13-290548-0.

If Pre-career students need extra assistance, they may attend also drop-in tutoring. Hours of drop-in tutoring are listed on the Student Services Bulletin Board in Bldg. 802. Students may also contact the tutor, Jocelyne, at 403-235-9300 ext 342 or see her at her office in building 802 – 131.

Professional Program students: Tutoring is also available for students in professional programs on as needed basis. If you think you require tutoring, please speak to your Department Chair/Director about your needs.